Bikaner Camel Safari

I have limited time in India. But greedy as I am, I would like to take in anything and everything as much as possible.



I won't have time for Jaisalmer camel safari, so is the 2 days 1 night camel safari from Bikaner a good alternative?

Yes Bikaner's a good alternative. Another choice could be Khimsar if youre going there...the dunes there are great.

Hey, anybody been to Karni Mata temple out at the desert around Bikaner?

It's one of the highlights of the Bikaner camel safari. Am looking forward to see the rats!
My travel mates are not too keen though...

Check out this link on the Rat Temple:
http://judypat.com/india/karnimata.htm

Hi beautysan
I was there early last year. It is an intriguing experience with some great photo opportunities for the folks at home. Imagine some 30 rats sitting lined up on the edge of a large round pan sipping milk. And rats moving in and out tiny holes in the walls. Do bring (old) socks by the way, because you have to remove your shoes and the floor is rather dirty and the rats are sometimes running over your feet with their sharp nails. Depending on how interested you are in the secret life of rats you will probably spend somewhere between 15 minutes and an our in the complex and there is not much more to see in the surroundings. The internet site more or less sums it all up.

All the regulars here know that I am going to suggest going to find the Ear Smoking Man in Bikaner.

I tried to convince a few members to find this guy and get some photos or a video and at the time I also had a televison program asking me if I could get a video on this.

If no one else finds this guy I will

Mike

Ear Smoking man? Who is that?

Bikaner is an underrated place well worth visiting. Apart from a camel farm and the rat temple it has a great palace, and not too many tourists. Even the locals think the rat temple is something else. Seeing a white rat brings good luck. (Everyone sees a white rat.)
We were there in 1999 and stayed at a homestay place called "Little Doon House", Vivekanand School Rd. ( ph 0151-22309958). Cheap and friendly, and still sends us cards. The Tourist Reception Centre arranged it and no doubt has others.

Still, I don't suppose you will have much time for palaces. Don't have much affinity for camels, myself.

Unfortunately we missed the Ear Smoking Man. I note that he can also whistle through his nose. It may be that the priests at the rat temple thought that this array of talents posed an unacceptable risk of competition?

How do you hook up with the safari? I've had a look around on the net but can only find it as part of a longer tour. Does anyone know of any companies that do it or preferably a website?

we were at the "rat temple" 3 days ago, whilst it was an amazing sight, it was nowhere near as "scary" as people would have you believe. we wandered around in bare feet and spent more time dodging the pidgeon poo than the rats who were all just chilling in the heat. We also stayed at Little Doon House (see my posting in hotel section) and Tony the owner is the most sincere, helpful person I have come across in my travels. He will give you all the advice you need to enjoy your stay. The fort in Bikaner is also very impressive and only 50 Rs to get in which includes a guide.

Yes, Little Doon House is great. Likewise Tony (Dilip). We have also corresponded with him since 1999, and at his invitation we will be staying with him in a few weeks time. It was wonderful talking with him and his family. Quite a rare experience for a tourist. Only problem was we seldom ate before 11pm or so, because both Tony and I are partial to a drop of rum, which tended to fuel the conversation!
Don't miss this place if you are going to Bikaner. Apart from camel safaris (nasty animals) Bikaner has a lot to offer.

I've heard that the safari touts will find US as we get off a train in either Jaisalmer or Bikaner. Saw a message on TT this morning recommending "vino's" tours...so you can look there.

Hi,

If you are looking for camel safari, I would suggest that you take the safari from Bikaner.

Bikaner offers great sand dunes and you may also see some desert wildlife.

Have fun!!!!!!!1